Syllabus

Modules and topics

Ninety-two topics across six modules. Each is written as a single page you can read in one sitting, ending with the exam-style questions that topic usually attracts.

Pharmacology

Twenty-two topics. The spine of the degree — most other modules assume it.

• Receptor families: ionotropic, GPCR, kinase-linked, nuclear
• Affinity, efficacy and the difference that matters in exams
• Full and partial agonists, inverse agonism
• Competitive and non-competitive antagonism; Schild analysis
• Dose–response curves, EC₅₀, therapeutic index
• Cholinergic and adrenergic transmission
• Autonomic drugs: sympathomimetics, blockers, antimuscarinics
• Analgesics: opioid receptors, NSAID mechanisms
• Local and general anaesthetics
• Tolerance, dependence and receptor regulation

Pharmaceutics

Seventeen topics. Heavy on the practical, examined by OSPE as well as written paper.

• Solubility, partition and the Noyes–Whitney equation
• Dissolution testing and BCS classification
• Tablets: excipients, compression, coating, disintegration
• Suspensions, emulsions and their instability
• Semi-solids: ointments, creams, gels
• Sterile products, cleanroom grades A to D, aseptic technique
• Parenteral routes and infusion compatibility
• Preservatives, tonicity and buffering
• Packaging, stability testing and shelf-life prediction

Pharmacokinetics

Fourteen topics. The most calculation-heavy module — see Calculations for the worked examples.

• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
• Bioavailability and first-pass metabolism
• Volume of distribution and protein binding
• Clearance: hepatic, renal, total
• First-order and zero-order elimination
• Half-life, steady state and the five-half-lives rule
• Loading and maintenance doses
• Therapeutic drug monitoring: digoxin, gentamicin, lithium, phenytoin
• Dose adjustment in renal and hepatic impairment
• Cytochrome P450 induction and inhibition

Medicinal chemistry

Thirteen topics. Structure explains most of what pharmacology asserts.

• Functional groups and their metabolic fate
• Ionisation, pK_a and the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation
• Lipophilicity, log P and log D
• Hydrogen bonding, stereochemistry and receptor fit
• Structure–activity relationships and bioisosteres
• Prodrugs and soft drugs
• Phase I and phase II metabolism
• Beta-lactams, sulfonamides, quinolones: chemistry of resistance

Therapeutics

Seventeen topics. Examined by case, so learn the decision points rather than lists.

• Hypertension: stepwise management, ACE inhibitors, CCBs, thiazides
• Heart failure and the four pillars
• Anticoagulation: warfarin, DOACs, INR targets, bridging
• Asthma and COPD: inhaler technique, stepwise escalation
• Diabetes: insulin regimens, metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors
• Thyroid disorders and monitoring
• Depression and anxiety: SSRI choice, discontinuation
• Epilepsy: drug choice in pregnancy, interactions
• Antimicrobial stewardship and empirical choices
• Pain ladders and opioid conversion

Law & ethics

Nine topics. Short, and cheap marks if the detail is right.

• GSL, P and POM classifications
• Controlled drugs: schedules 1 to 5, storage, registers, destruction
• Prescription requirements and what makes one invalid
• Emergency supply at the request of patient or prescriber
• Professional standards and the duty of candour
• Consent, capacity and confidentiality
• Veterinary supply and the cascade

How these notes are written

Each topic follows the same shape, because revision is faster when the format does not change: what it is, why it matters clinically, the mechanism, the numbers worth memorising, and the two or three ways the exam asks about it.

Drug names are generic throughout, with brand names only where the OSPE expects recognition. Doses are indicative and always checked against the current BNF before use.

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